Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities

Delaware’s publicly funded workforce system has chosen to attack its out of school requirements initially and primarily through contract services, a robust referral service and on site GED programs.

The Delaware Workforce Development Board, through the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training (DOL-DET) publish an annual competitive Grant to serve the out of school population. Awarded grantees are responsible for recruiting and training out of school youth to the standards in the RFP (they are based on state and federal law).

In the event a juvenile out of school youth is identified by the One Stop staff - or any other core or One Stop Partner - that person is referred to one of the out of school providers. The front line staff receive updates on the out of school youth via a notification DOL-DET uses called the Training Orders.

Although the out of school RFP appears at other places in the state plan I have included an excerpt of that 40+ page document (the complete document is available at https://wib.delawareworks.com/documents/wioa/Appendix%20K%20DOL_14124YouthTraining_RFP.pdf).

Regardless this highlight of the RFP will provide an overview of the approach.

DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (DWDB)

PROPOSAL REVIEW SCHEDULE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Out-of-School Youth
Program Year July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016
Issued: January 2, 2015

Purpose

The Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB) with the issuance of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is requesting proposals for the following type of training:

Out of School youth programs - WIOA funds will solely fund the Out-of-School Youth programs.

The source of funding that will fund this solicitation is the following:

1) U.S. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ("WIOA")

The purpose of programs funded under WIOA is to prepare youth facing serious barriers to employment for participation in the labor force by providing training and other services that will result in increased employment and earnings, increased educational and occupational skills credentials, and decreased welfare dependency, thereby improving the quality of the workforce and enhancing its productivity and competitiveness.

II. SOLICITATION

1. The funding levels identified are estimates, based on historical information. The estimates are subject to change without notice. WIOA Youth ($ 1,420,530)
2. Proposals are competitive. Competitive elements to be considered are (a) the minimum number of participants, (b) the percentage of those participants who will achieve the outcome (90 day retention in entered employment or other specified outcome is required), (c) the services to be delivered, (d) the cost and quality of the services, (e) program completion rates for all participants, (f) percentage of all participants placed into unsubsidized employment in occupations related to training received, placed into post-secondary education, or advanced training, (g) wages at placement into unsubsidized employment for all participants, (h) the types of credentials participants will obtain, and (i) description of methodology used in determining the data.

III. SPECIFIC PROGRAM SOLICITATION

The Delaware Workforce Development Board is soliciting proposals for Out-of-School youth between the ages of 16 and 24. In addition to achieving the outcomes described in “Performance Standards and Definitions”, the Delaware Workforce Development Board is seeking proposals from organizations whose program model

emphasizes education at both the secondary and post-secondary level for participants.

The intent of this proposal relative to youth services is to focus on long-term intervention strategies that offer youth a broad range of services. To that end, the following mandated design components and program elements have been established for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funded programs. Accordingly, the Delaware Workforce Development Board is seeking proposals that incorporate these components and elements.

The four Critical Strategies follow:

1. Focus on Alternative Education
2. Focus on Business Demands, Especially in High-Growth Industries and Occupations
3. Focus on Neediest Youth
4. Focus on Improved Performance

Design Requirements

Youth Training (WIOA Youth funds)

Youth program proposals will target the neediest of youth who are not attending any school.

Providers will recruit all youth. In doing this, providers will establish linkage teams with other youth service agencies. Some examples of youth service agencies are the Division of Social Services, Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families, local community centers, faith-based community organizations, etc. Youth service agencies can be of particular importance in retention of youth by providing community based services that support success. Linkage teams will be a key component in the recruitment and retention of youth.

Interest and compatibility for the program will be determined through assessments that will establish the baseline for educational/work readiness skill training that will begin upon enrollment. It will also act as the foundation for the development of skill attainment goals and credential attainment.

All youth being served with WIOA funds must be determined eligible by the provider in accordance with the eligible youth definition in this RFP.

Mandated Design Components

Programs must integrate the following design components into their program.

A. Provide an objective assessment of the academic levels, skill levels, and service needs of each participant, which assessment shall include a review of basic skills, interests, aptitudes (including interests and aptitudes for nontraditional jobs), supportive service needs, and developmental needs of such participant, for the purpose of identifying appropriate services and career pathways for participants, except that a new assessment of a participant is not required if the provider carrying out such a program determines it is appropriate to use a recent assessment of the participant conducted pursuant to another education or training program;

B. Develop service strategies for each participant that are directly linked to 1 or more of the indicators of performance described in section 116(b)(A)(ii) and that shall identify career pathways that include education and employment goals (including in appropriate circumstances, nontraditional employment), and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A), except that a new assessment of a participant is not required if the provider carrying out such a program determines it is appropriate to use a recent assessment of the participant conducted pursuant to another education or training program;

C. Provide

• Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized postsecondary credential;
• Preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities;
• Strong linkages between academic instruction (based on State academic content and student academic achievement standards established under section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311)) and occupational education that lead to the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials;
• Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, in appropriate cases; and
• Effective connections to employers, including small employers, in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor markets

Mandated Program Elements

Proposed programs must incorporate current and planned efforts to provide services that support the mandated program elements listed below.

1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential;
2. Alternative secondary school services, or dropout recovery services, as appropriate;
3. Paid and unpaid work experience that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include - (i) summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; (ii) pre-apprenticeship programs; (iii) internships and job shadowing; and (iv) on-the-job training opportunities
4. Occupational skill training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local are involved, if the local board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in section 123;
5. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;
6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors, as appropriate;
7. Supportive services;
8. Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months;
9. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate;
10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral; as appropriate;
11. Financial literacy education;
12. Entrepreneurial skills training;
13. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and
14. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training.

The program(s) solicited will provide youth with the following:

1. All youth served will receive the Mandated Program Components
   • Priority - Not less than 20 percent of the funds allocated shall be used to provide paid and unpaid work experience that have as a component academic and occupational education, which may include - (i) summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year; (ii) pre-apprenticeship programs; (iii) internships and job shadowing; and (iv) on-the-job training opportunities
2. Youth served will receive the following mandated program elements: (e) Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster; (j) Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral; (k) Financial literacy education; and (m) Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration. All other mandated program elements are not required to be provided but the provider must demonstrate how the service options will be made available to all youth participants. The specific program services that are provided to each youth participant will be based on the participant’s objective assessment and individual service strategy.
3. The completion of High School Diplomas or a GED will be a planned goal for all youth. Additional education leading to a High School Diploma/GED will be provided to all clients that have not received a diploma/GED. In order to provide this service to youth in need of these services, providers must link with the appropriate agencies. Incentives may be provided to encourage participation. Providers will also link with agencies in order to ensure post-secondary education preparation.
4. An Individual Service Strategy (ISS) will be developed for all youth. The ISS will be reviewed and updated regularly. The ISS will include an ultimate employment goal and the incremental work readiness and academic steps to achieve the goal.
5. All youth will have credentials planned within the ISS. Credentials established in the ISS will be incremental and credential attainment will be designed to reinforce success and encourage the continual development of skills. Credentials specified will be based on academic and employment goals. These credentials should be achieved prior to exiting the program in order to insure long term sustainable success. The CPR certificate and the OSHA certificate do not count for the degree/certificate measure as they do not meet ETA’s intent of its credential definition.
6. Youth proposers will be required to identify the incremental credentials received during the course of the proposed program and the credential obtained as a result of successfully completing the proposed program and the number of enrollments/exiters expected to achieve each credential.
7. Comprehensive guidance and counseling begins at the point of enrollment. It continues for the entire period that the youth is in the program. It is the central activity of case management that begins at enrollment and ends 12 months after the youth exits the program. Mentoring services will also be provided and may be employment based.
8. The selected providers may also provide occupational skills training. Occupational skills training may be provided through the selected provider or may be purchased.
9. Basic skills (reading, math, and language) training will be a major component of any training provided.
10. All occupational training will be combined with paid/unpaid work experience, internship specifically related to the training.
11. The development of work readiness skills will be reinforced through incremental employment experiences. This may include summer work experience, short term work assignments with an employer, other paid/unpaid work experience, internship and/or work shadowing specifically related to the training.
12. Post-exit follow-up services will be specifically targeted to employment (or other recognized outcome) retention, increased wages and improving occupational skills and career development, including encouraging enrollment in training while the student is employed. Follow-up will include regular face-to-face contact. During the post-exit follow-up period, services described in the individual service strategy will continue to be provided the participant.
13. Provide substance abuse training (appropriate to the expected outcome of the training).
14. Provide instruction on the use of the Internet, as a resource in obtaining employment, where program targeted outcomes is job placement. All Out-of-School youth participants are expected to register in Delaware Joblink (https://joblink.delaware.gov).
15. Training/experience in analyzing and solving problems, working productively with others, being considerate, listening and following instructions, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating good attendance. These skills will be taught and reinforced continually as interrelated parts of skills training.

IV. TARGETED POPULATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Out-of-School Youth means an individual who is:

(i) Not attending any school

(ii) Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24; and

(iii) One or more of the following:

I. A school dropout

II. A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter

III. A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is low-income individual and is (aa) basic skills deficient; or (bb) an English language learner

(iv) An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system

(v) A homeless individual (as defined in section 414403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6))), a homeless child or youth (as defined in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2))), a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement

(vi) An individual who is pregnant or parenting

(vii) A youth who is an individual with a disability

(viii) A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment

Contractors will be responsible for documenting all eligibility information prior to enrollment consistent with the policy of the Delaware Workforce Development Board.

V. Performance Standards (contract performance standards)

The outcome goals for the youth programs funded by the Workforce Development Board and required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act are provided below. All programs selected for funding must have program designs that support the attainment of these performance goals. Performance Goals for PY 15 have not yet been defined or negotiated. Both these percentages and measures are subject to change.

Youth Measures

The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the second quarter after exit from the program.

1. The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the fourth quarter after the exit from the program.

2. The median earnings of program of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program.

3. The percentage of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential or a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (subject to clause (iii)), during participation in or within 1 year after exit from the program.

4. The percentage of program participants who, during a program year, are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains toward such a credential or employment.

5. The indicators of effectiveness in serving employers established pursuant to clause (4)

To assist in monitoring the retention of youth in employment and other outcomes, providers will also be responsible for reporting on participant retention in employment and other outcomes at the following increments of time:

• Day 1 of employment
• Day 30 of employment (continuous from day1)
• Day 60 of employment (continuous from day1)
• Day 90 of employment (continuous from day1)

VI. OTHER SOLICITATION INFORMATION

15) All Youth Proposers and ITA Providers will provide training that will allow trainees to earn a Diploma, or GED.

16) The proposal rating criteria will favor those proposals that demonstrate the ability to operate quality, cost effective training programs that result in high placement rates, increased wages, long term job retention, credential attainment.

17) Youth proposers will enter into partnerships (with other contractors or other youth providers) that produce synergy. Proposers demonstrating a synergistic partnership may be given priority in funding. Synergistic activity will produce an outcome greater than the sum of the efforts taken independently.

4) Youth proposes, consistent with the USDOL Youth Vision, will plan for improved youth performance while continuing to serve the “at risk/neediest” youth population as described in the TEGL 28-05. This will include establishing linkages with alternative education and direct involvement with the Business community (areas such as speakers, volunteers, trainers, work shadowing, internships, & employment).

VII. POLICIES

1) The existence and contents of proposals are confidential and as such will not be discussed with any proposer or outside party by staff or Board members at any time other than designated official proposal review periods.

Proposers also should be aware that they are competitors and should not discuss the contents of proposals with others. Proposals received are considered the property of the DWDB and will not be returned.

2) All proposals funded through this Request for Proposal (RFP), when viewed in their entirety, will be readily accessible to disabled individuals and will conform with all non-discrimination and Equal Opportunity laws and regulations covered by Section 188 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

3) All proposers must establish linkages with other state and community agencies in order to assure the delivery of services indicated above.

4) All proposers must be capable of obtaining supportive services.

5) It is the policy of the Delaware Workforce Development Board that all participants will receive work maturity skills training, which includes job search, and substance abuse prevention skills.

6) All service providers will be responsible for determining and documenting eligibility, recruiting customers, and providing Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training’s (DET) Management Information System (MIS) with the required information. Failure in any of these areas may result in corrective action and possible discontinuance of program.

7) Proposals, submitted through this RFP, will describe the entire program to be considered. The Proposal should reflect 100% of services, budget, and participants. Funding may be approved to fund all or any portion of the cost of a training program. Selected proposers may make available on a tuition basis any portion of a program that is not funded. Awards granted for less than the full program amount will be made contingent on the proposer working closely with staff, demonstrating that the level of funding is sufficient to operate the program.

8) All selected proposers, will provide information regarding their training to the “One Stop” offices. The information will include; training type, schedule, entrance criteria, eligibility, and the number of slots available on a tuition basis and their cost, if appropriate.

9) Youth providers will be responsible for the data entry of MIS forms. Data entry includes applications, adds, leaves, literacy/numeracy, placement and retention information.

10) Prior to a contract being executed, proposers without current contracts, will be required to provide a copy of their most recent financial statement to enable the Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Division of Employment and Training to establish the proposer’s fiscal soundness and eligibility for a contract.

Youth Training

Demonstrated Ability (25%)

• Proposer demonstrates the ability to operate like or similar high quality, cost effective training programs that result in high placement rates.

Cost (15%)

• Costs are reasonable and competitive as compared to other similar programs.

Program Design and Proposed Results (30%)

• Program design provides adequate case management to achieve the planned results.
• Number and quality of staff is adequate.
• All required program elements are included.
• Work Readiness competencies are taught through sequential work and classroom experiences.
• Additional education is provided to all individuals in need of this service.
• Retention and Post-Exit Follow-Up services

Linkages with schools / other youth agencies (10%)

• Specific linkages with specific schools / programs have been established.
• Evidence of specific services that will be provided through the linkages is provided.
• The program includes Basic Skills instruction during the summer and upon the return to school, when appropriate.

Intensity & Duration of Training (20%)

• The length, hours per day, and type of training service

XI. DEFINITIONS

ADULT - Except in sections 127 and 132, the term "adult" means an individual who is age 18 or older.

BASIC SKILLS DEFICIENT - The term "basic skill deficient" means, with respect to an individual, that the individual has English reading, writing, or computing skills at or below the 8^th grade level on a generally accepted standardized test or a comparable score on a criterion-referenced test.

CAREER PATHWAY - The term “Career Pathway” means a combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services that -

A. aligns with the skill needs of industries in the economy of the State or regional economy involved;

B. prepares an individual to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education options, including apprenticeships registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act)

C. includes counseling to support an individual in achieving the individual’s education and career goals;

D. includes as appropriate, education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupations or occupational cluster;

E. organizes education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual to the extent practicable;

F. enables an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and

G. helps an individual enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster

CAREER PLANNING - The term “career planning” means the provision of a client-centered approach in the delivery of services designed -

A. to prepare and coordinate comprehensive employment plans, such as service strategies, for participants to ensure access to necessary workforce investment activities and supportive services, using, where feasible, computer-based technologies; and

B. to provide job, education, and career counseling, as appropriate during program participation and after job placement

CASE MANAGEMENT - The term "case management" means the provision of a client-centered approach in the delivery of services, designed

(a) to prepare and coordinate comprehensive employment plans, such as service strategies, for participants to ensure access to necessary workforce investment activities and supportive services, using, where feasible, computer-based technologies; and

(b) to provide job and career counseling during program participation and after job placement.

CERTIFICATE - A certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual’s attainment of measurable technical or occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an occupation. These technical or occupational skills are based on standards developed or endorsed by employers. Certificates awarded by Workforce Development Boards are not included in this definition. Work readiness certificates are also not included in this definition. A certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual’s attainment of technical or occupational skills by:

• A state educational agency or a state agency responsible for administering vocational and technical education within a state.
• An institution of higher education described in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act (20 USC 1002) that is qualified to participate in the student financial assistance programs authorized by Title IV of that Act. This includes community colleges, proprietary schools, and all other institutions of higher education that are eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs.
• A professional, industry, or employer organization (e.g., National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification, National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc., Machining Level I credential) or a product manufacturer or developer (e.g., Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Certified Novell Engineer, Sun Certified Java Programmer) using a valid and reliable assessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• A registered apprenticeship program.
• A public regulatory agency, upon an individual’s fulfillment of educational, work experience, or skill requirements that are legally necessary for an individual to use an occupational or professional title or to practice an occupation or profession (e.g., FAA aviation mechanic certification, state certified asbestos inspector).
• A program that has been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer education benefits to veterans and other eligible persons.
• Job Corps centers that issue certificates.
• Institutions of higher education which is formally controlled, or has been formally sanctioned, or chartered, by the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes.

COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE OFF-THE-SHELF TRAINING PACKAGE means a training package sold or traded to the general public in the course of normal business operations, at prices based on established catalog or market prices. To be considered as sold to the general public, the package must be regularly sold in sufficient quantities to constitute a real commercial market to buyers that must include other than WIOA programs. The package must include performance criteria pertaining to the delivery of the package, which may include participant attainment of knowledge, skills or a job.

COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION - The term "community-based organization" means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in the field of workforce investment.

COMPETENCY - The term “competency” means a skill or knowledge, accepted by the DWDB, to be achieved by an individual in order to achieve a program credential.

COMPLETER - The term “completer” means a participant who successfully complies with the definition of program credential completion in the Contract.

COMPLETION - The term “completion” means the successful achievement of the requirements of training specified in the contract. Generally this is defined by a combination of hours of attendance and competency attainment.

COST ANALYSIS - The term “Cost Analysis” means the review and evaluation, element by element, of the cost estimate supporting an organizations proposal for the purpose of pricing the contract.

COST REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT - The term “Cost Reimbursement Contract” means an agreement that provides for the payment of actual costs incurred to the extent prescribed in the agreement. Instead of paying the contractor to meet all the terms and conditions at a specified price, this type of agreement reimburses the awardee for its best efforts to perform up to the total cost and types of costs authorized in the agreement.

CREDENTIAL - Nationally recognized degree or certificate or State recognized credential (H.S Dipl/GED, postsecondary degrees, recognized skills standards, licensure, apprenticeship or industry recognized certificates). Includes all state education agency recognized credentials.

DIPLOMA OR RECOGNIZED EQUIVALENT ATTAINMENT RATE - A youth diploma or equivalent attainment rate is calculated for those participants that enroll without a diploma or equivalent. The performance percentage is calculated by dividing the number of participants that achieve a secondary school diploma or equivalent at termination by the total terminated (except those still in secondary school)

DIRECT BENEFITS - The term "supportive services" means services such as transportation, child care, dependent care, housing, and needs-related payments, that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under this title, consistent with the provisions of this title.

DIRECT BENEFITS may include the following:

(1) Linkages to community services;

(2) Assistance with transportation costs;

(3) Assistance with child care and dependent care costs;

(4) Assistance with housing costs;

(5) Referrals to medical services; and

(6) Assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tool costs, including such items as eye glasses and protective eye gear. [WIOA sec. 129(c)(2)(G).]

EMPLOYMENT etc. ATTAINMENT RATE - The performance percentage established is calculated by dividing the number of individuals who enter and retain in postsecondary education, advanced training, military service, employment, or qualified apprenticeships by the number of individuals who have exited the program.

ENROLLMENT - The term “enrollment” means the completion of a defined number of hours of training in the core curriculum as specified in the contract.

EXIT- A participant who has not been reported in AJLA (management information system) as enrolled in an any activity for 90 days.

FAMILY - The term "family" means two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or decree of court, who are living in a single residence, and are included in one or more of the following categories:

(A) A husband, wife, and dependent children.

(B) A parent or guardian and dependent children.

(C) A husband and wife.

FIXED UNIT PRICE CONTRACT - The term “Fixed Unit Price Contract” means an agreement that pays a Contractor a specified price for specified deliverables regardless of the Contractors actual costs incurred. This contract type places maximum risk and full responsibility on the contractor for all costs and resulting profit/program income or loss.

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PERFORMANCE BASED CONTRACT - A “Fixed Unit Price contract where the contractor agrees to be paid for performance based on outcomes.

FOLLOW-UP SERVICES FOR YOUTH -

1. Follow-up services for youth may include:

• The leadership development and supportive service activities;
• Regular contact with a youth participant’s employer, including
• assistance in addressing work-related problems that arise;
• Assistance in securing better paying jobs, career development
• and further education;
• Work-related peer support groups;
• Adult mentoring; and
• Tracking the progress of youth in employment after training.

2. All youth participants must receive some form of follow-up services for a minimum duration of 12 months. Follow-up services may be provided beyond twelve (12) months at the State or Local Board’s discretion. The types of services provided and the duration of services must be determined based on the needs of the individual. The scope of these follow-up services may be less intensive for youth who have only participated in summer youth employment opportunities.

FULL LEVEL OF STAFF - The term “Full Level of Staff” refers to the employment of individuals and their assignment to work on the Contract at a level sufficient to occupy all the positions found on the Staff section of the Statement of Work, for the hours specified there. An individual is considered to occupy a position when carrying out the duties of the position or on paid leave, consistent with Contractor personnel policies while assigned to that position.

HOMELESS - The term “Homeless” means an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and who has a primary nighttime residence that is:

a. a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill); or

b. an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or

c. a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

IN-SCHOOL YOUTH - A Youth attending any school, including alternative school, when the education leads to a High School Diploma.

INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY -

(A) IN GENERAL - The term "individual with a disability" means an individual with any disability (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)).

(B) INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES - The term "individuals with disabilities" means more than one individual with a disability.

INDIVIDUAL SERVICE STRATEGY (ISS) - The term “Individual Service Strategy” means an individual plan for a participant which shall include an employment goal (including, for women, consideration of non­traditional employment), appropriate achievement objectives, and the appropriate combination of services for the participant based on the objective assessment.

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES - The term “Leadership Development Opportunities” means the following activities:

• Exposure to post-secondary educational opportunities;
• Community and service learning projects;
• Peer-centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring;
• Organizational and team work training, including team leadership training;
• Training in decision-making, including determining priorities;
• Citizenship training, including life skills training such as parenting, work behavior training, and budgeting of resources;
• Employability; and positive social behaviors [WIOA sec. 129(c)(2)(F).]

LEARNING RICH - The term “Learning Rich” means training in which a variety of important basic skills are learned in the context of the functional task required to accomplish the work. Learning may occur in a work or training setting. Training is characterized by high expectations, real challenges, real work, and the real world. The learner is continually involved in problem solving, communication, and critical thinking.

LOWER LIVING STANDARD INCOME LEVEL - The term "lower living standard income level" means that income level (adjusted for regional, metropolitan, urban, and rural differences and family size) determined annually by the Secretary based on the most recent lower living family budget issued by the Secretary.

LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUAL - The term "low-income individual" means an individual who

(i) receives, or in the past 6 months has received, or is a member of a family that is receiving or in the past 6 months has received, assistance through the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the program of block grant to States for temporary assistance for needy families program under part A of the title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or the supplemental security income program established under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), or State or local income-based public assistance;

(ii) is in a family with total income that does not exceed the high of

I. the poverty line; or

II. 70 percent of the lower living standard income level;

(iii) is a homeless individual (as defined in section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6))), or a homeless child or youth (as defined under section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)));

(iv) receives or is eligible to receive a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);

(v) is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made; or

(vi) is an individual with a disability whose own income meets the income requirement of clause (ii) but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet this requirement.

NONTRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT - The term "nontraditional employment" refers to occupations or fields of work for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in each such occupation or field of work.

OFFENDER - The term "offender" means any adult or juvenile

(A) who is or has been subject to any stage of the criminal justice process, for whom services under this Act may be beneficial; or

(B) who requires assistance in overcoming artificial barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction.

OLDER INDIVIDUAL - The term "older individual" means an individual age 55 or older.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING - The term "on-the-job training" means training by an employer that is provided to a paid participant while engaged in productive work in a job that

(A) provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job;

(B) provides reimbursement to the employer of up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the participant, for the extraordinary costs of providing the training and additional supervision related to the training; and

(C) is limited in duration as appropriate to the occupation for which the participant is being trained, taking into account the content of the training, the prior work experience of the participant, and the service strategy of the participant, as appropriate.

PARTICIPANT - The term "participant" means an individual who has been determined to be eligible to participate in and who is receiving services (except follow-up services authorized under this title) under a program authorized by this title. Participation shall be deemed to commence on the first day, following determination of eligibility, on which the individual began receiving subsidized employment, training, or other services provided under this title.

PLACEMENT - The term “Placement” means the act of securing for or by a participant unsubsidized employment for the duration of 1 calendar day, with an anticipated permanent duration. For reporting purposes, a placement may not begin prior to the day of the last leave from any activity in AJLA (management information system) is reported. Full-time placement requires 30 or more hours per normal workweek. Part-time placement requires 24 or more hours per normal workweek.

POSITIVE SOCIAL BEHAVIORS - The outcomes of leadership opportunities,

often referred to as soft skills, which are incorporated by many local

programs as part of their menu of services. Positive social behaviors

focus on areas that may include the following:

(a) Positive attitudinal development;

(b) Self esteem building;

(c) Openness to working with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds;

(d) Maintaining healthy lifestyles, including being alcohol and drug free;

(e) Maintaining positive relationships with responsible adults and peers, and contributing to the well being of one’s community, including voting;

(f) Maintaining a commitment to learning and academic success;

(g) Avoiding delinquency;

(h) Postponed and responsible parenting; and

(i) Positive job attitudes and work skills.

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION - The term "postsecondary educational institution" means an institution of higher education, as defined in section 481 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088).

POVERTY LINE - The term "poverty line" means the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))) applicable to a family to the size involved.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE - The term "public assistance" means Federal, State, or local government cash payments for which eligibility is determined by a needs or income test.

RECOGNIZED POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL - The term “recognized postsecondary credential” means a credential consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or Federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

SCHOOL DROPOUT - The term "school dropout" means an individual who is no longer attending any school and who has not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

SECONDARY SCHOOL - The term "secondary school" has the meaning given the term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801).

SIMULATED WORK - The term “Simulated Work” means an activity that takes place in a training situation where a work product is produced for the purpose of learning work maturity skills and/or specific occupational skills rather than for the purpose of producing the work product.

SKILL ATTAINMENT RATE - If a participant is deficient in basic literacy skills, the contractor will establish at a minimum, one participant basic skills goal for the year. A minimum of one participant skill goal must be set for the year with a maximum of three goals per year. Skill goals will fall into the category of basic, work readiness, or occupational skills.

The performance percentage established for Skill Attainment Rate is calculated by dividing the Skills Goals (Basic, Work Readiness, and Occupational) achieved by the number of Skills Goals set.

TRAINING - The term “Training” means a systematic, planned sequence of instruction or other learning experiences on an individual or group basis under competent supervision which is designed to impart skills, knowledge, or abilities to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment.

TRAINING RELATED JOB - The term “Training Related Job” means a job in which a major vocational skill learned in training, as specified in the training plan or curriculum, is a predominant activity.

TUITION BASED - The term “Tuition Based” means that payments to a vendor educational institution of tuition charges, entrance fees, and other usual and customary fees of an educational institution are not more than the educational institutions catalogue price, necessary to receive specific training, and are for training of participants.

UNEMPLOYED INDIVIDUAL - The term "unemployed individual" means an individual who is without a job and who wants and is available for work. The determination of whether an individual is without a job shall be made in accordance with the criteria used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor in defining individuals as unemployed.

VETERAN; RELATED DEFINITION

(A) VETERAN - The term "veteran" means an individual who served in the active military, naval, or air services, and who was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.

(B) RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERAN - The term "recently separated veteran" means any veteran who applies for participation under this title within 48 months after the discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service.

WORK EXPERIENCES FOR YOUTH -

• Work experiences are planned, structured learning experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time. Work experiences may be paid or unpaid.
• Work experience workplaces may be in the private, for-profit sector; the non-profit sector; or the public sector.
• Work experiences are designed to enable youth to gain exposure to the working world and its requirements. Work experiences are appropriate and desirable activities for many youth throughout the year. Work experiences should help youth acquire the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to

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obtain a job and advance in employment. The purpose is to provide the youth participant with the opportunities for career exploration and skill development and is not to benefit the employer, although the employer may, in fact, benefit from the activities performed by the youth. Work experiences may be subsidized or unsubsidized and may include the following elements:

(1) Instruction in employability skills or generic workplace skills
such as those identified by the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving
Necessary Skills (SCANS);

(2) Exposure to various aspects of an industry;

(3) Progressively more complex tasks;

(4) Internships and job shadowing;

(5) The integration of basic academic skills into work activities;

(6) Supported work, work adjustment, and other transition activities;

(7) Entrepreneurship;

(8) Service learning;

(9) Paid and unpaid community service; and

(10) Other elements designed to achieve the goals of work